Forklifts are extremely dangerous machines. Statistics by OSHA show that approximately 100 warehouse employees are killed each year in forklift mishaps while they are operating them. An additional 95,000 employees are injured on the job each year as well, utilizing these heavy pieces of industrial machines.
Most fatalities have been because of lift truck turnovers. Being crushed between the forklift and another surface is the second highest percentage of fatalities. The third highest cause of death is being struck by the forklift itself and lastly, getting hit from falling items because of a dropped load is the last statistic. Every death or injury is quite terrible and frightening due to the immense weight and ability of these equipment.
Who Should Perform the Training?
All assessment and teaching needs to be taught by individuals who have the proper training, experience and knowledge to teach powered industrial truck operators the correct skills and then to evaluate their competence after that. Several examples of a skilled trainer consist of an individual who has a certificate, professional standing or certified degree in their possession, or who has extensive training, experience and knowledge utilizing lift trucks. A good candidate has a lot of experience and has shown the ability to assess and train operators of industrial trucks.
If the employer does not wish to perform the training himself, there are numerous resources accessible for them to choose from. Like for example, they can employ in local health and safety organizations, like for example the National Safety Council local chapters, truck manufacturers, or private teaching consultants who specialize in powered industrial trucks. There are usually local vocational and trade schools which will be really happy to offer several great resources.
The internet is full of websites devoted to the safety of forklifts. There are also private companies that provide forklift safety training services, like videos and written programs. Most safety videos could either be bought or leased or rented. One very vital thing to think about is that simply by showing your workers a series of videos or a video about forklift safety, does not meet the full requirements of the OSHA standard. Subsequent training and skill of the new operators should be conveyed and assessed by a specific method so as to make sure that the complete training has been obtained.
Once the driver has successfully passed all of the required training, a forklift license would be given and they would legally be able to drive a lift truck. Valid lift truck certificates are a requirement by organizations in order to keep everyone at the workplace very safe.